Mandatory medical insurance

The Quebec government requires international students to hold medical insurance that is valid in Quebec for the duration of their stay.

For this reason, you will be automatically registered for HEC Montréal medical insurance, provided by Cowan. The premium amount is indicated under the “Tuition Fees” section of your HEC en ligne account. You can be exempted from this insurance if you are eligible for medical insurance through the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

ImportantHEC Montréal does not accept any medical insurance coverage other than that of Cowan or the RAMQ.

Cowan: HEC Montréal’s mandatory medical insurance

• You can pay by card (debit or credit) when you arrive at HEC Montréal. You can also pay by CIBC bank transfer at any time once you have received the bill.
• You will receive your Cowan card approximately 2 weeks after payment.
• Want a fee breakdown and coverage details? Want to view the card printing guide? See the page Medical insurance – HEC Montréal.

Cowan insurance exemption and receiving RAMQ coverage

In order to qualify for the Cowan insurance waiver, you must be covered by social security in one of the following countries:

• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Luxembourg
• Norway
• Portugal
• Romania
• Serbia
• Sweden

Important If you do not have “social security” coverage in one of these countries, you must keep and pay for Cowan insurance.

Before arriving in Quebec

You must have the right form completed by the authorities in your country.

The table below presents the countries that have signed a social security agreement with Quebec. It also lists the name of the form to have completed.

As soon as you arrive in Quebec

Submit your application to register for RAMQ.

Required documents

• Form completed in your country
• CAQ and study permit if you study two terms at HEC Montréal
• HEC Montréal proof of enrollment letter (available at HEC en ligne)
• Copy of your passport

Important You must provide a Quebec address. Make sure to provide your full address, including the apartment number if applicable.

Upon receiving the RAMQ card

The card will be sent by mail. Check your mailbox!

Upload a copy of your card to HEC en ligne, and the amount for Cowan insurance will be removed from your account.

If you have questions about an incomplete file or missing document, contact RAMQ customer service, at 514-864-3411 or 1-800-561-9749.

Important Certain costs are not covered by the RAMQ:

• Medication (except for French citizens. Ask about it!)
• Ambulance ride
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of a dead body

Important The RAMQ does not provide you with coverage outside Quebec. You must take out private insurance if you travel outside Quebec (elsewhere in Canada or abroad).

Additional insurance

We strongly recommend taking out insurance in addition to Cowan or RAMQ coverage:

• depending on your needs (e.g., luggage insurance, cancellation), or
• to extend your coverage if you stay longer in Canada.

Look into additional insurance coverage when you are still in your country, before your departure, as you will not be able to take out such insurance from Canada.

Important The coverage period for HEC Montréal’s Cowan insurance starts August 16 for fall term or January 1 for winter term. If you arrive in Canada before this date, you must take out health insurance for the period not covered by Cowan. Look into this while you are still in your country, before your departure.